Privacy Protecting Wall-Mounted Workstation

ABSTRACT

A computer workstation including a switch, a monitor outlet and an input device tray. The input device tray is configured to support at least one computer input device. The switch is operationally associated with the input device tray such that when the input device tray is moved from its operational position, the switch is actuated. The monitor outlet is conductively connected to the switch such that when the switch is actuated, power to the monitor outlet is eliminated. The switch may also restore power to the monitor outlet when the input device tray is returned to the operational position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer workstations and, moreparticularly, to a wall-mounted computer workstation to protect againstunauthorized viewing of confidential information displayed on a computermonitor.

Health care providers are mandated by the Health Insurance Portabilityand Accountability Act (HIPAA) to take reasonable steps to ensure theconfidentiality of patient information. This task becomes especiallydaunting in the hectic and fast-paced environment of many hospitals andmedical clinics. Increasingly, nurses and other medical practitionersenter patient information directly into a computer terminal located inthe hallway outside examination rooms or at some other centralizedlocation easily accessible to the public. As a result, other patientsand third parties will come into close proximity with these computersand be able to view any confidential information displayed on themonitors.

Various methods have been utilized to prevent unauthorized parties fromviewing computer screens after the medical practitioner has left theworkstation. One of the simplest of such methods involves utilizing thebasic hibernation mode included on most computers. After a specifiedperiod of inactivity, the computer either causes the monitor to go blankor display an innocuous screen saver containing no confidentialinformation. The screen will only be restored to display access to theconfidential information if a password is entered. One major failure ofthis method is that the confidential information remains on the screenfor some period of time, unattended, after the practitioner has walkedaway. This creates a window of opportunity for an unauthorized party togain access to confidential patient information.

As a result, more sophisticated technology was developed to ensure onlyauthorized users had access. One such technology uses proximity sensorslocated at the site of the workstation. Software installed on thecomputer triggers the computer to enter a hibernation mode as describedabove when the proximity sensor indicates the user has moved away fromthe workstation. The computer is again brought out of hibernation onlyby entering a confidential password. This method was suffers in that anunauthorized party could gain access if that person quickly moved infront of the workstation after the authorized user walked away. Suchbehavior could easily go undetected in the hustle and bustle of a busymedical treatment facility. Additionally, this method requires loadingadditional software onto the computer to support the proximity sensor.Loading new software onto the computer can be difficult to integratewith existing software and can slow down the overall performance of thecomputer.

Another method used to prevent the unauthorized viewing of workstationmonitors entails the employ of RFID technology included on employeeidentification badges or some other accessory. When a badge comes inclose proximity to a sensor mounted at the site of the workstation,special software loaded onto the computer causes the computer to go intoor out of hibernation. This method also has several significantshortcomings. If the RFID badges are lost or stolen, the person inpossession of the badge has unfettered access to confidential patientinformation until the owner of the badge reports the loss. Further,someone carrying a RFID badge could inadvertently trigger the sensor,turning the monitor on, as they walked by the sensor or stood in closeproximity to it. This could provide unauthorized access to confidentialinformation for a party who was waiting to take advantage of such anoccurrence. Additionally, this method again requires the loading ofspecial software onto the workstation computer potentially causingproblems with existing software loaded on the computer and generatingadded expense for the administration of this special software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present inventionwherein a workstation is provided with a moveable input device tray anda switch for automatically turning the computer monitor off when theinput device tray is moved from the operational position. In oneembodiment, the switch also turns the monitor back on when the inputdevice tray is moved back into the operational position.

In one embodiment, the workstation includes an input device tray forsupporting input devices for the computer. The input device tray ismovable and has an operational position where the input devices aresituated suitably for use by an operator and a closed position forstoring the input devices when not in use. In one embodiment, the inputdevice tray accommodates a keyboard and mouse, but in alternativeembodiments, the input device tray may be adapted to support any type ofinput device including electronic tablets for instance.

In one embodiment, when the input device tray is moved from theoperational position, the input device tray actuates a switch thateliminates the supply of power to the computer monitor. In oneembodiment, the workstation includes a monitor outlet and this actioneliminates the supply of power to the monitor outlet. This configurationcauses a computer monitor plugged into the switched monitor outlet to beturned off contemporaneously with the input device tray being moved fromthe operational position, thereby preventing unauthorized parties fromviewing the monitor after the input device tray is closed. The inputdevice tray may be biased away from the operational position so that itautomatically moves into the closed position in the absence of userinteraction. For example, the tray may be spring-loaded or use alift-assist gas cylinder to bias the tray in the closed position.Alternatively, biasing devices, such as a spring or gas cylinder, may beused to offset the weight of the tray and keyboard without providingsufficient force to automatically move the tray to the closed position.

The present invention provides a workstation that inhibits unauthorizedparty's access to confidential information through a computer located ina public area. The screen is immediately turned-off when an authorizeduser finishes using the computer and the input device tray is moved fromthe operational position leaving no opportunity for unlawful access toconfidential medical information. Furthermore, unlawful access iscurtailed without the need to install additional software on thecomputer or to issue RFID badges to all employees. In an embodimentincluding a desk housing, additional security may be provided bylockably enclosing the computer components within the desk housing. Inembodiments in which movement of the tray turns on and off the computermonitor, security is provided without specifically turning the monitoron or off.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detaileddescription of the current embodiment and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the workstation in the closed positionaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the workstation in the operationalposition with a portion broken away to show the power supply source andthe switched monitor outlet.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of Area III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a portion of the input device tray about tomove to the closed position.

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram of the workstation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of theswitch, monitor outlet, and workstation plug.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

A privacy protecting computer workstation in accordance with anembodiment is illustrated in the drawings and generally designated 10.In the illustrated embodiment, the computer workstation 10 is configuredto receive a computer monitor 28 and an input device, such as keyboard18 or mouse 20. The workstation 10 generally includes a monitor outlet16 for the computer monitor 28, a switch 12 for controlling the supplyof power to the monitor outlet 16, and a movable input device tray 14capable of actuating the switch 12. The input device tray 14 is movablebetween an operational position and a closed position. In use, movementof the input device tray 14 from the operational position actuates theswitch 12 to eliminate the supply of power to the monitor outlet 16, andconsequently to the monitor 28. As a result, the computer workstation 10automatically turns off the monitor 28 when the input device tray 14 ismoved from the operational position. For purpose of disclosure, thepresent invention is described in connection with a specific computerworkstation housing. The present invention is well suited for use inessentially any workstation in which movement of an input device supportcan be used to control the supply of power to the computer monitor.

As noted above, the workstation 10 includes an input device tray 14. Theinput device tray 14 is configured to support at least one computerinput device. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the inputdevice tray 14 is configured to support both a keyboard 18 and a mouse20, but the input device tray 14 could alternatively support essentiallyany type of input device, such as a digitizing pad or trackball. Theillustrated input device tray 14 is generally planar, but the tray'sdesign and configuration may be varied as desired to support essentiallyany input device. The input device tray 14 has an operational positionsuch that when the tray 14 is in the operational position, the inputdevices 18, 20 supported on the tray 14 are oriented for operation by aworkstation 10 user. In one embodiment, the input device tray 14 isheight adjustable within the operational position to accommodateworkstation 10 users of various stature. In another embodiment, theinput device tray 14 is biased away from the operational position sothat when pressure is removed from the input device tray 14 by the user,the tray 14 automatically moves to the closed position. Such automationmay be accomplished by any device providing the desired performance. Forexample, a lift-assist gas cylinder may be connected to both theworkstation housing and the tray 14 biasing the tray 14 to the closedposition. Alternatively, biasing devices, such as a spring or gascylinder, may be used to offset the weight of the tray 14 and/or inputdevices 18 and 20 without providing enough force to automatically movethe tray 14 into the closed position. In one embodiment, the inputdevice tray 14 may also be lockable preventing the tray 14 from beingopened to the operational position by unauthorized users.

The workstation 10 includes a switch 12 for controlling the supply ofpower to the computer monitor 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the switch 12 ofthe illustrated embodiment is mounted to the workstation 10 at a pointwhere the input device tray 14 abuts the desk housing 26 when the inputdevice tray 14 is in the closed position. The switch 12 may be locatedin any position on the workstation 10 or the input device tray 14 wherethe switch 12 will be actuated when the input device tray 14 is movedbetween the operational position and the closed position. For example,the switch 12 may be located essentially anywhere along the path of theinput device tray 14. As another example, the switch 12 may beintegrated into or operably connected with the hinge 40 of the inputdevice tray 14. In embodiments utilizing a gas cylinder (not shown), theswitch 12 may be incorporated into the gas cylinder.

In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor outlet 16 is configured toreceive power from a standard wall outlet, such as a conventional 110volt wall outlet (not shown). In this embodiment, the switch 12 isconnected between the wall outlet (not shown) and the monitor outlet 16so that actuation of the switch 12 controls the flow of power to themonitor outlet 16. The switch 12 may be essentially any type of switchcapable of selectively controlling the supply of wall power to themonitor outlet 16, including a rocker switch, toggle switch, push-buttonswitch or infrared switch. In the illustrated embodiment, a biased,push-button switch 12 is used. The illustrated switch 12 is biased inthe closed or “on” position so that when the input device tray 14 ismoved from the closed position the switch 12 is automatically closed andpower is restored to the monitor outlet 16. Alternatively, movement ofthe input device tray 14 may be used only to turn the monitor off. Inthis embodiment, manual actuation of the switch may be used to turn themonitor 28 back on when desired.

As noted above, the workstation 10 includes a monitor outlet 16 forsupplying power to the computer monitor 28. In the illustratedembodiment, the monitor outlet 16 is a generally conventional electricaloutlet configured for use with standard 110 volt AC power. Utilizationof a conventional outlet affords straightforward connection of themonitor 28 to the monitor outlet 16 by simply inserting the monitor's 28electrical plug 29 into the electrical receptacle 24 of the monitoroutlet 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor outlet 16 islocated within the workstation 10 where it is conveniently positioned toreceive the electrical plug 29 of the monitor 28 (See broken-awayportion in FIG. 2). The monitor outlet 16 may be positioned inalternative locations as desired. The monitor outlet 16 may be replacedby other apparatus capable of supplying power to the monitor 28. Forexample, the monitor 28 could be hard wired to the switch 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor outlet 16 is connected to anexternal source of power, such as a wall outlet supplying 110 volt ACpower. The monitor outlet 16 is connected to the external source ofpower using workstation plug 17 which is a generally conventionalelectrical plug for use with standard 110 volt AC power. As noted above,the switch 12 is connected between an external source of power (such asa wall outlet) and the monitor outlet 16 so that actuation of the switch12 controls the supply of power to the monitor outlet 16. In theillustrated embodiment, the monitor outlet 16 includes two electricalreceptacles 24, both of these receptacle's 24 power may be controlled bythe operation of the switch 12. This configuration would be useful, forexample, if the workstation 10 utilized two monitors or otherwiseincluded two separate components to turn off when the tray 14 is closed.Alternatively, the second receptacle 24 could be powered independentlyfrom the switch 12. This configuration would be useful to receive theplug of a CPU used in the workstation so that the CPU is not shut downeach time the switch 12 is actuated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the workstation 10 includes a deskhousing 26 configured to enclose and/or support a computer system. Inthe embodiment illustrated in the figures, the desk housing 26 isconfigured to house the various elements of a computer system, includinga monitor 28 and CPU (not shown). The computer monitor 28 is fullyenclosed and rests upon a central shelf behind a transparent protectionwindow 30. The window 30 can be fabricated from clear acrylic, glass orany other suitable transparent material. The CPU (not shown) is storedon an upper shelf located above the monitor 28 behind panel 42. Panel 42may be hinged and may include a lock, if desired. The input device tray14 is located below the monitor shelf and is configured to swing up anddown between the operational position (swung down) and the closedposition (swung up). In the illustrated embodiment, the input devicetray 14 folds up into the desk housing 26 such that the tray 14 and anyinput device 18 and 20 stored on the tray 14 will be received into thedesk housing 26 for storage. The input device tray 14 may also belockable in the closed position providing additional security. The deskhousing 26 can be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal or any othermaterial (or combination of materials) providing suitable performanceand the desired aesthetic.

As noted above, the present invention is well suited for use withworkstations of a wide variety of shapes and styles. The desk housing 26can be modified to accommodate various alternative computerconfigurations. If desired, the desk housing 26 may be configured suchthat the computer system rests on the desk housing 26 or the computersystem may be enclosed by the desk housing 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the desk housing 26 is configured tomount to a wall or some other suitable mounting surface. Alternatively,the desk housing could be constructed to rest on the floor, a desk, atable or other suitable surface. If desired, the desk housing can befreestanding. In an alternative embodiment not utilizing a full deskhousing, the monitor 28 could be mounted to a wall or resting on somesupport surface with the input device tray 14 located in closeproximity. In such a system, it may be desirable to locate the switch 12on an external component, but the switch can be located essentiallyanywhere that provides the desired interaction with the input devicetray 14 when the input device tray 14 is moved between the operationalposition and the closed position.

The electrical power assembly 55′ of an alternative embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the electrical power assembly55′ includes a push-button switch 12′ mounted within an electrical cord25.′ The electrical cord 25′ includes a workstation plug 17′ that can beinserted into a wall outlet (not shown) and a monitor outlet 16′ thatcan receive an electrical plug from the monitor 28. In this embodiment,the monitor outlet 17′ has a single electrical receptacle 24′. Theswitch 12′ may be a push-button switch or an alternative type of switchas described above. In one embodiment, the switch 12′ is wired into aconventional extension cord. The switch 12′ may be mounted on the deskhousing 26 or at another location where it will interact properly toactuate the monitor 28 as the input device tray 14 is moved.

The above description is that of the current embodiment of theinvention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theappended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

1. A computer workstation comprising: a monitor outlet; a switchoperationally associated with said monitor outlet such that power tosaid monitor outlet is eliminated when said switch is actuated; and amovable input device tray to receive at least one computer input device,said tray having an operational position and a closed position, saidtray actuating said switch when said tray is moved from the operationalposition to the closed position.
 2. The workstation of claim 1 whereinsaid input device tray actuates said switch to restore power to saidmonitor outlet when tray is moved from the closed position to theoperational position.
 3. The workstation of claim 2 wherein theoperational position has said input device tray oriented to position theinput devices stored thereon in such a way as to be operationallypositioned for a user.
 4. The workstation of claim 3 wherein saidworkstation further comprises a desk housing, said input device trayalso having a closed position oriented relative to said desk housingsuch that said input device tray abuts said desk housing and an inputdevice stored on said input device tray would be enclosed within saiddesk housing when said input device tray is in the closed position. 5.The workstation of claim 4 wherein said switch is located on said deskhousing at a point communicating with said input device tray when saidtray is moved from the operational position.
 6. The workstation of claim5 wherein said input device tray is biased to remain in the closedposition.
 7. The workstation of claim 6 wherein said input device trayfurther includes a lock, said lock preventing said input device traybeing moved to the operational position when said lock is engaged. 8.The workstation of claim 7 wherein said desk housing further defines alockable compartment adapted to contain computer components.
 9. Theworkstation of claim 8 wherein said desk housing further includes atransparent protection window such that said desk housing may completelyenclose the monitor while still being able to view the monitor throughsaid window.
 10. The workstation of claim 9 wherein said desk housing isadapted to be mounted to a non-horizontal surface.
 11. A computerworkstation comprising: a desk housing; an input device tray to receiveat least one computer input device, said tray having a closed positionwhere said input device tray is folded against said desk housing suchthat an input device located on said input device tray would be enclosedwithin said desk housing, said tray also having an operational positionfolded away from said desk housing such that an input device located onsaid input device tray would be oriented in a position suited foroperation of the input device by a user; a monitor outlet; and a switchoperationally associated with said input device tray such that when saidinput device tray is moved from the operational position, said switch isactuated eliminating power to said monitor outlet.
 12. The workstationof claim 11 wherein said switch is also actuated when said input devicetray is returned to the operational position restoring power to saidmonitor outlet.
 13. The workstation of claim 12 wherein said inputdevice tray is biased away from the operational position.
 14. Ancomputer workstation comprising: a switch; a monitor outlet; and amovable input device tray to support at least one computer input deviceand operationally associated with said switch such that when said inputdevice tray is moved said switch is actuated to control supply of powerto said monitor outlet.
 15. The workstation of claim 14 wherein saidinput device tray has an operational position such that when said inputdevice tray is moved from the operational position, said switch isactuated eliminating power to said monitor outlet.
 16. The workstationof claim 15 wherein said switch is actuated when said input device trayis returned to the operational position restoring power to said monitoroutlet.
 17. The workstation of claim 16 wherein said input device trayis biased away from the operational position.